Freedom from Torture, ‘Lessons Not Learned: The failures of asylum decision-making in the UK’, 2019
- Category: Reports
- Source: NGOs
- Subject: Refugee/Asylum, Human Rights, LGBT+
- Place: United Kingdom
- Year: 2019
- File: lessons_not_learned_final_sept19
- URL: http://www.asylumineurope.org/sites/default/files/resources/lessons_not_learned_final_sept19.pdf
Freedom from Torture, ‘Lessons Not Learned: The failures of asylum decision-making in the UK’, 2019.
This report examines 50 reports from 17 different organisations, including parliamentary committees, the United Nations, nongovernmental organisations, academics, and independent inspectorates. It charts a 15-year history of longstanding criticisms levelled against the Home Office. The analysis shows a convergence of views on the fundamental causes of poor decision-making, including the unrealistic and unlawful evidential burden placed on applicants and a starting point of disbelief, with a devastating impact on the individuals involved.
The report states:
The evidential bar to substantiate a claim for asylum has risen in practice beyond the standard required by the official handbook for the UN Refugee Convention and by UK law. This has had a detrimental impact on many people seeking asylum, including torture survivors, women who have faced sexual and gender-based violence, victims of trafficking, LGBTQI+ people, faith groups, and children.